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Welcome Back Kotter….woops! Welcome Back POTTER!

Could not resist the title given I am a product of the 70’s! We are not Welcoming Back Kotter, we are welcoming back POTTER! Our second and most beloved foster dog.

Potter's shelter intake photo 11/12

Potter initially arrived at the Martin Boxer compond in December 2011. He was picked up as a stray in Gastonia, NC (11/29). He was extremely underweight 57lbs, Heart Worm positive,respiratory infection, and fully intact. My guess is someone was using him as a stud for breading. Blue Ride Boxer sent me his photo and there was no discussion amongst the family we had to save this precious pup. Even if it meant having 4 dogs. We were thrilled we had the opportunity to name him so we polled all our Facebook and Twitter friends and named him Potter. Harvey was a close second along with Fozzie. We think Potter was perfect!

After a brief stay at the Vet, Potter was transported to to us 12/3- He was so sweet upon arrival. Within an hour of his arrival all dogs were running around/co cohabitating nicely. I was amazed how the introduction that can be up to 24 hours beyond happened within an hour. He was that laid back. It was Maple (our first fosters) last night with us as she got adopted the next day.

Our job was to love this dog unconditionally and fatten him up. He was too skinny for surgery to be neutered or start his life saving heart worm treatment. We fattened him up to 70.8 lbs enough to go for neutering. He did great! After a series of meds and a little more fattening up he was ready to start his heart worm treatment in January. Heart Worm treatment is horrible for all involved! Remember that monthly pill for prevention! Potter had to be on bed rest for three months. That is a very difficult thing to do for a 2 year old dog, whom gained strength everyday and had to watch his two fur siblings running around and play. We/He made it through with flying colors!

Potter was spoken for early on by a wonderful family. He could not be released until he finished all his treatments. We enjoyed everyday we had with this sweet boy (96 to be exact) While he was with us he learned what it was like to be inside a house, what toys were, how to play. When he first arrived he was a loner. He preferred sitting outside on the deck. He was not sure what to do inside of the house. Once we forgot he was outside and when we went to look for him he had burrowed himself down in a bed of leaves to stay warm. Heartbreaking ( he was not outside long). We are sure he was displaying some of his survival techniques he used while he was a stray. Someone trained and loved this dog at some point in his life. He was so well behaved and was 100% potty trained. Never did he have an accident in the house. He would not enter the house unless you told him it was ok and he did not jump on you. We could not find anything wrong with this dog. Why did someone abandon this sweet guy. We knew he would be the perfect companion for a loving family.

Potter's Flashy Smile!

As we watched his progression from a “loner” to a social playful pup we ALL fell in love with this guy. We knew his adoption was looming and we were going to have to say good bye. We ALL agreed it was going to be very hard. To this day we are not sure why but this guy really stole our hearts. However, in the true spirit of rescue, as we have come to know it, we love them and pass them along so we can make room for the next dog in need. Our next dog in need was Allee, whom would join us once Potter & Bridget went to their FURever families.

Potter and Bridget hold paws on the way to their adoption 3/9/2012!

When I received the call on Tuesday that Potter was being surrendered back to the rescue (due to unfortunate family circumstances) There was no discussion or decisions to be made. Potter was coming home! We were all elated and were counting down the days until his arrival. Potter officially joined the Martin Boxer Crew on Saturday! Our first official “foster failure” a.k.a…a foster dog you cannot give up. We are at maximum canine capacity but still have room to host a foster dog.

Fostering/Rescuing has been a wonderful “family bonding” experience for us. Like most families we are very busy with numerous daily obligations and many varied opinions on life. However, fostering/rescuing is the “ONE” thing we all seem to agree on unanimously.

We love it! It works for our family! As long as it works for the family, we will keep it up!